Ruthmere Museum begins yearlong 50th anniversary celebration

ELKHART — Ruthmere Museum begins a yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary as a museum with Beardsley Neighborhood Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 1.

The museum first opened on Sept. 8, 1973, with the late Robert B. Beardsley as director.

Neighborhood residents, Ruthmere members and the general public are invited to mingle while exploring the Ruthmere grounds.

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The event begins at 10 a.m. with a one-hour neighborhood cleanup, starting at the Havilah Beardsley House, 102 W. Beardsley Ave.

The event moves to the Ruthmere Quilt Garden Green from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 302 E. Beardsley Ave.

Food will be available on a no-profit, cost basis at $10 for the full meal, which includes Nelson’s half chicken (or Moringa Tree vegan entree), chips, cookie and drink. Or purchase just the half chicken or vegan entree for $5, and chips/cookie/drink for $5. All food purchases are cash only.

The event also includes a kids’ bounce house, a “Pause and Paint” and the opportunity to watch local plein air artists on site.

Ruthmere tours will begin at the top of the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at regular admission rates.

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Outdoor activities are free.

April 1 also marks the campus’ opening for the season, which continues through Dec. 30.

Seasonal hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 1 to 3 p.m. Sundays. Guided tours on the hour.

Admission is $10-$4 for Ruthmere, $5-$2 for the Havilah Beardsley House, and $13-$5 for a campus day pass. Free for ages 4 and younger and $40 for families of up to five people of any age.

For more information, call 574-264-0330 or visit ruthmere.org.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Ruthmere Museum in Elkhart begins yearlong 50th anniversary